Information processing apparatus and information processing method

ABSTRACT

An information processing apparatus includes: a light emitting unit configured to emit light; an optical unit configured to induce an optical influence to the light from the light emitting unit, the optical unit having an astigmatic lens configured to generate astigmatism with a plurality of focal lengths; a detecting unit configured to detect the light emitted in the light emitting unit, radiated outside through the optical unit, and reflected by an object; and a measuring unit configured to measure a distance to the object based on astigmatism generated in the reflection light detected in the detecting unit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119from Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2014-004259 filed Jan. 14,2014, the entire contents of each which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatusand an information processing method, and more particularly to aninformation processing apparatus and an information processing methodthat can measure a distance more easily.

In the past, a camera system for capturing a depth profile includes apassive method without light radiation and an active method with lightradiation. The passive method, having a multi-view type and the like,deteriorates accuracy of a distance measurement under a dark environmentor for a low-contrast subject. The active method has a light cut-offmethod or a time of flight (TOF).

The light cut-off method is a method of measuring a distance to asubject based on an amount of displacement from a reference of a patternat the time of radiating a certain pattern of light to capture an image(for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. SHO62-291509). Moreover, the TOF is a method of measuring a delay time oflight that is reflected back at the speed of light and a distance to asubject based on the delay time (for example, see Japanese PatentApplication Laid-open No. 2012-194185).

SUMMARY

However, in the case of the light cut-off method, it is necessary toinput the pattern and its position of the reference in a memory and thelike in advance. Therefore, this method may increase a cost. Moreover,calculations take more time, so that it may be difficult to performsufficiently high speed processing.

Moreover, in the case of the TOF, it is necessary to perform measurementprocessing at a very high speed for measuring the delay time of thereflection light. Accordingly, special techniques are necessary, so thata cost may increase. An example of this measuring method includes anindirect method. In the case of the indirect method, two gates areprovided to one pixel of an image sensor. First, one gate reads out asignal, and then the other gate reads out a signal. From the two signaldifferences, the delay time of returned light is measured. Since the twogates read out, high-speed processing can be achieved. However, twogates or accumulation units are necessary compared to a generalcomplementary metal oxide semiconductor image sensor (CIS), which makesit difficult to decrease a pixel size. Moreover, this method has acomplicated circuit configuration, so that a cost may increase.

In view of the circumstances as described above, it is desirable toprovide an information processing apparatus that can measure a distancemore easily.

According to an embodiment of the present technology, there is providedan information processing apparatus, including: a light emitting unitconfigured to emit light; an optical unit configured to induce anoptical influence to the light from the light emitting unit, the opticalunit having an astigmatic lens configured to generate astigmatism with aplurality of focal lengths; a detecting unit configured to detect thelight emitted in the light emitting unit, radiated outside through theoptical unit, and reflected by an object; and a measuring unitconfigured to measure a distance to the object based on astigmatismgenerated in the reflection light detected in the detecting unit.

The measuring unit may be configured to measure the distance to theobject based on a change in a radiation shape of the light in theobject.

The measuring unit may be configured to measure the distance to theobject in accordance with a change in a thickness of each line, in theobject, of the light linearly radiated in a plurality of directions.

The optical unit may further include one of a slit, a waveguide, and adiffractive optical element configured to form the radiation shape ofthe light from the light emitting unit into a cross-shape, and themeasuring unit may be configured to measure the distance to the objectin accordance with a change in a thickness of each line of thecross-shape in the object.

The optical unit may further include one of a slit, a waveguide, and adiffractive optical element configured to form the radiation shape ofthe light from the light emitting unit into a radial shape, and themeasuring unit may be configured to measure the distance to the objectin accordance with a change in a thickness of each line of the radialshape in the object.

The optical unit may further include one of a slit, a waveguide, and adiffractive optical element configured to radiate the light from thelight emitting unit to a plurality of positions, and the measuring unitmay be configured to measure the distance to the object in accordancewith a change in the radiation shape of the light radiated to theplurality of positions of the object.

The optical unit may further include one of a slit, a waveguide, and adiffractive optical element configured to form the radiation shape ofthe light from the light emitting unit into a stripe shape, and themeasuring unit may be configured to measure the distance to the objectin accordance with a change in a thickness of each line of the stripeshape in the object.

The astigmatic lens may be a lens configured such that the focal lengthsdo not change in a radial direction (sagittal) from a central side ofthe astigmatic lens toward a peripheral side and the focal lengthscontinuously change in a concentric direction (meridional) centered atone of the center of the astigmatic lens and a vicinity of the center.

The astigmatic lens may be a convertible lens having the focal lengthsvariable.

The convertible lens may be a lenticular lens.

The astigmatic lens may be constituted of a plurality of lenses.

The measuring unit may be configured to further measure the distance tothe object based on displacement of the reflection light detected in thedetecting unit and to measure the distance to the object with use ofboth a measurement result based on the displacement and a distancemeasurement result based on the astigmatism.

The light emitting unit may be configured to emit infrared light, andthe detecting unit may be configured to detect reflection light of theinfrared light radiated outside through the optical unit and reflectedby the object.

The detecting unit may include an imaging element capable of detectingreceived visible light and the infrared light and be configured toobtain a captured image made of the visible light with use of theimaging element and detect the reflection light of the infrared light.

The light emitting unit may be configured to emit laser light, and thedetecting unit may be configured to detect reflection light of the laserlight radiated outside through the optical unit and reflected by theobject.

The information processing apparatus may further include: a recognitionunit configured to recognize a three-dimensional shape of iris wrinklesof eyeballs of a person serving as the object with use of the distanceto the object that is measured by the measuring unit; and anauthentication unit configured to authenticate the person based on thethree-dimensional shape of the iris wrinkles that is recognized by therecognition unit.

The information processing apparatus may further include: an irisdetermination unit configured to determine a position and an inclinationof an iris of each eyeball and a distance to the eyeball of a personserving as the object with use of the distance to the object that ismeasured by the measuring unit; a viewpoint determination unitconfigured to determine a viewpoint of the person based on the positionand the inclination of the iris of the eyeball and the distance to theeyeball determined by the iris determination unit; and an informationprocessing unit configured to perform processing in accordance with theviewpoint of the person that is determined by the viewpointdetermination unit.

The information processing apparatus may further include: anattitude/movement determination unit configured to determine a position,an attitude and a movement of a person serving as the object with use ofthe distance to the object that is measured by the measuring unit; andan information processing unit configured to perform processing inaccordance with the position, the attitude and the movement of theperson that is determined by the attitude/movement determination unit.

The information processing apparatus may further include: an imagingoptical unit configured to allow light from a subject to transmitthrough the imaging optical unit, the imaging optical unit having avariable focal length; an imaging unit configured to photoelectricallyconvert the light from the subject that is received through the imagingoptical unit and obtain image data of the subject; and a focus controlunit configured to control the focal length of the imaging optical unitwith use of the distance to the object that is measured by the measuringunit.

According to an embodiment of the present technology, there is providedan information processing method, including: emitting light; detectingthe light that is radiated outside through an optical unit configured toinduce an optical influence to the light and is reflected by an object,the optical unit having an astigmatic lens configured to generateastigmatism with a plurality of focal lengths; and measuring a distanceto the object based on the astigmatism generated in the detectedreflection light.

In an embodiment of the present technology, light is emitted. The lightthat is radiated outside through an optical unit configured to induce anoptical influence to the light and is reflected by an object isdetected, the optical unit having an astigmatic lens configured togenerate astigmatism with a plurality of focal lengths.

A distance to the object is measured based on the astigmatism generatedin the detected reflection light.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a signal can beprocessed. In particular, it is possible to measure a distance moreeasily.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detaileddescription of best mode embodiments thereof, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram describing a main configuration example of adistance measuring apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a diagram describing an example of a distance measuring methodwith use of an astigmatic lens;

FIG. 3 is a diagram describing an example of the distance measuringmethod;

FIG. 4 is a diagram describing an example of the distance measuringmethod;

FIG. 5 is a diagram describing an example of the distance measuringmethod;

FIG. 6 is a diagram describing an example of a distance measuring methodwith use of a cross light source;

FIG. 7 is a diagram describing an example of a radial pattern;

FIG. 8 is a diagram describing an example of a distance measuring methodwith use of a plurality of cross light sources;

FIG. 9 is a diagram describing an example of a stripe pattern;

FIG. 10 is a diagram describing an example of a galvanometer mirror;

FIG. 11 is a diagram describing an example of a distance measuringmethod with use of infrared light;

FIG. 12 is a diagram describing an example of an image sensor;

FIG. 13 is a diagram describing an example of a pixel arrangement;

FIG. 14 is a diagram describing an example of a spectralcharacteristics;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a color correctioncalculating method;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a pixel configuration;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a dielectricmultilayer film;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a reflection property of thedielectric multilayer film;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a shape of the astigmaticlens;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the astigmaticlens;

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the astigmaticlens;

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the astigmaticlens;

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example with use of a lenticular lens;

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a liquid lens;

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example with use of the lenticular lens;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart describing an example of a flow of distancemeasuring processing;

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of anauthentication apparatus;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart describing an example of a flow of authenticationprocessing;

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing an example of measuring a shape ofiris wrinkles;

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a state of an eye tracking;

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a main configuration example of aninformation processing apparatus performing the eye tracking;

FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing an example of the state of eyetracking processing;

FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing a main configuration example of theinformation processing apparatus detecting a user's gesture;

FIG. 34 is a flowchart describing an example of a flow of gesturereception processing;

FIG. 35 is a diagram describing an example of a state of an autofocusadjustment of an imaging apparatus;

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing a main configuration example of theimaging apparatus;

FIG. 37 is a flowchart describing an example of a flow of imagingprocessing; and

FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing a main configuration example of acomputer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure (hereinafterreferred to as embodiments) will be described below. The descriptionwill be given in the following order:

1. First embodiment (distance measuring apparatus)

2. Second embodiment (authentication apparatus)

3. Third embodiment (information processing apparatus)

4. Fourth embodiment (information processing apparatus)

5. Fifth embodiment (imaging apparatus)

6. Sixth embodiment (computer)

1. First Embodiment Distance Measuring Apparatus

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration example of adistance measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of aninformation processing apparatus to which the present technology isapplied. A distance measuring apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is anapparatus that measures a distance. The distance measuring apparatus 100radiates light to an object 121 serving as a distance measuring target,detects reflection light reflected by its subject, and measures adistance to the object 121 based on the detection result.

As shown in FIG. 1, the distance measuring apparatus 100 includes acontrol unit 101, a light emitting unit 102, an optical unit 103, adetecting unit 104, and a measuring unit 105.

The control unit 101 controls respective processing units of the lightemitting unit 102 to the measuring unit 105 and executes processing withrespect to a distance measurement to the processing units.

The light emitting unit 102 includes an arbitrary light emitter servingas a light source such as an incandescent bulb, a fluorescent bulb, alight emitting diode (LED) and light amplification by stimulatedemission of radiation (Laser), and emits light radiated to the object121. The light emitted from the light emitting unit 102 is dischargedoutside the distance measuring apparatus 100 through the optical unit103.

The optical unit 103, made of an arbitrary optical element, induces anoptical influence to the light. The configuration of the optical unit103 may be arbitrary, but includes at least an astigmatic lens 111configured to allow the light to transmit through from the lightemitting unit 102 and cause the transmitted light to generateastigmatism.

The light discharged outside the distance measuring apparatus 100through the optical unit 103 is radiated to the object 121. Theradiation light is reflected by the object 121. The detecting unit 104detects the reflection light. The detecting unit 104 includes, forexample, an image sensor of a charge coupled device (CCD) and acomplementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), detects the reflectionlight reflected by the object 121, and supplies the detection result tothe measuring unit 105 as an image data and the like.

Based on the detection result, the measuring unit 105 measures thedistance to the object 121. The astigmatism is generated to thereflection light detected in the detecting unit 104 by the astigmaticlens 111. The measuring unit 105 measures a distance between thedistance measuring apparatus 100 and the object 121 with use ofinfluence of the astigmatism included in the detection result. Themeasuring unit 105 outputs the measurement result (informationrepresenting the distance to the object 121) outside the distancemeasuring apparatus 100.

An output method of the measurement result is arbitrary. For example,the output method may be outputted as a digital data from an externaloutput terminal or may be outputted as an image and a video representinga distance from a monitor. Moreover, it is outputted as a voice messagerepresenting a distance from a speaker. Further, the distancemeasurement result may be recorded on a recording medium or may betransmitted to other apparatuses through a communication medium.

Astigmatism

Next, the astigmatism will be described. The astigmatism is a phenomenongenerated when a lens has distortion. For example, as shown in FIG. 2,light (alternate long and short dash line) entered from a verticaldirection of the astigmatic lens 111 is focused on a front side thereof,while light (solid line) entered from a horizontal direction of theastigmatic lens 111 is focused on a depth side thereof. That is, in theastigmatic lens 111, refraction of the light is not uniform by theposition and a plurality of focal positions are present.

Therefore, for example, when the object 121 is located at a focalposition (front side) of the light entered from the vertical directionof the astigmatic lens 111, the light radiated from the light emittingunit 102 is expansively blurred at the position of the object 121 in thehorizontal direction. Accordingly, assuming that the light emitting unit102 is a point light source, a shape of the light radiated to the object121 (spot shape) is horizontally long.

Moreover, for example, when the object 121 is located at the focalposition (depth side) of the light entered from the horizontal directionof the astigmatic lens 111, the light radiated from the light emittingunit 102 is expansively blurred at the position of the object 121 in thevertical direction. Accordingly, assuming that the light emitting unit102 is the point light source, the shape of the light radiated to theobject 121 (spot shape) is vertically long.

That is, by changing the position of the object 121 (distance betweenthe distance measuring apparatus 100 and the object 121), the spot shapeis deformed. Therefore, on the contrary, the position of the object 121(distance between the distance measuring apparatus 100 and the object121) can be obtained from the spot shape. The measuring unit 105measures the distance to the object 121 based on a change in the spotshape due to this astigmatism.

Distance Measuring Method

Next, a specific example of the distance measuring method will bedescribed. The measuring method may be any method, as long as it isbased on the change in the spot shape due to the astigmatism, but may beobtained as follows, for example.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the light from thelight source (light emitting unit 102) is discharged outside thedistance measuring apparatus 100 through a slit, the astigmatic lens 111and a diaphragm of the optical unit 103. Then, as an example shown inFIG. 2, it is assumed that the light entered from the vertical directionof the astigmatic lens 111 is focused on the front side, and the lightentered from the horizontal direction of the astigmatic lens 111 isfocused on the depth side. It should be noted that in FIG. 3, the lightentered from the vertical direction of the astigmatic lens 111 and thelight entered from the horizontal direction of the astigmatic lens 111are also represented in the vertical direction in FIG. 3. As shown inFIG. 3, distances between the diaphragm and each focal position arerepresented by f₁ and f₂. Moreover, an opening in the vertical directionof the astigmatic lens 111 is represented by D₁ and an opening in thehorizontal direction of the astigmatic lens 111 is represented by D₂.Further, an angle made by the light passed through an end (vicinity ofthe diaphragm) in the vertical direction of the astigmatic lens 111 withrespect to an optical axis is represented by θ₁, and an angle made bythe light passed through an end in the horizontal direction with respectto the optical axis is represented by θ₂. With respect to these anglesθ₁ and θ₂, following Equations (1) and (2) are satisfied.tan θ₁ =D ₁/(2*f ₁)  (1)tan θ₂ =D ₂/(2*f ₂)  (2)

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the position focused in FIG. 3. In thiscase, a distance between the diaphragm and the object 121 (subject) isrepresented by L. In this case, when a₁ and a₂ are respectivelyrepresented by absolute values of differences between L and f1 and L andf2, following Equations (3) and (4) are satisfied.a ₁ =|L−f ₁|  (3)a ₂ =|f ₂ −L|  (4)

Further, amounts of blurring obtained when the light is radiated to thesubject are represented by ∈₁, and ∈₂, following Equations (5) and (6)are satisfied.∈₁=2*a ₁*tan θ₁  (5)∈₂=2*a ₂*tan θ₂  (6)Values of D₁, D₂, f₁, and f₂ are determined by the astigmatic lens 111and the diaphragm, so that the values can be specifically determined asfollows, for example.

D₂=20 mm

D₂=20 mm

f₁=50 mm

f₂=100 mm

Namely, a relational expression of L and the amounts of blurring ∈₁ and∈₂ can be obtained from Equations (1) to (6) described above. That is,for example, dependency of the amounts of burring ∈₁ and ∈₂ to L asshown in a graph of FIG. 5 can be obtained. Therefore, the measuringunit 105 can measure the distance L between the amount (or ratio) ofburring in the direction of two astigmatism and the object 121. Itshould be noted that the amount of blurring becomes ideally zero in thefocal position, but in practice, a diffraction limit of the lensprevents the amount of blurring from becoming zero and generallyprovides some amount of blurring. However, in comparison with the amountof blurring in the case of a non-focused position, the amount ofblurring in this focal position is so sufficiently small that it isassumed negligible.

As described above, since the astigmatism is used to measure thedistance, the distance measuring apparatus 100 can measure the distancewith more ease and high accuracy.

Measurement of Amount of Blurring Point Light Source

Next, a measuring method of the amount of blurring will be described.The amount of blurring is obtained according to a degree of change aradiation shape (spot shape) of the radiation light in the object 121detected in the detecting unit 104. The shape of the light radiated tothe object 121 is arbitrary.

For example, assuming that the light source which the light emittingunit 102 has is a point light source, substantially uniform parallellight may be discharged to the optical unit 103 from the light emittingunit 102.

When the parallel light from the point light source passes through alens in which the astigmatism is not generated as the parallel light,the spot shape of the radiation light in the focal position of the lensis ideally formed into a dot. In contrast, when the parallel light fromthe point light source passes through the astigmatic lens 111, the spotshape is vertically long or horizontally long due to the astigmatism.

Then, the measuring unit 105 may observe the spot shape of the radiationlight in the object 121 detected in the detecting unit 104 and obtainthe distance to the object 121 based on a degree of change in its shape,that is, a length of a predetermined direction of the spot shape (forexample, vertical or horizontal direction). For example, the measuringunit 105 can obtain how close the object 121 is to one of two focalpositions (that is, L) by the extent to which the spot shape isvertically long or horizontally long.

The direction for obtaining the length of the spot shape may be anydirection, as long as it is a direction of change due to influence ofthe astigmatism. Namely, the direction for obtaining the length of thespot shape is not limited to the vertical and horizontal directions. Forexample, it may be directions inclined at angles of 45 degrees and −45degrees. Moreover, the direction for obtaining the length is notnecessarily perpendicular to each other as the example described above.

The number of the directions for obtaining the length is arbitrary, buta plurality of directions are desirable. This is because it is difficultto decide whether the focal position is located on the front side or thedepth side from a length of a single direction as shown in the graph ofFIG. 5. Moreover, the distance to the object 121 (position of the object121) can be obtained more precisely by obtaining the distance to theobject 121 from lengths of the plurality of directions (that is, aplurality of focal positions being set as reference).

It should be noted that the point light source which the light emittingunit 102 has can be realized by any method as long as the light sourceis arranged so that the light passing through the astigmatic lens 111 isallowed to form substantially parallel light. For example, asufficiently small light source may be used.

Measurement of Amount of Blurring Cross-Shape

Moreover, for example, cross-shaped light may radiated to the object 121from the optical unit 103. A method of realizing such a cross lightsource is arbitrary, but for example, as shown in FIG. 6, a slit 151having a cross-shaped opening may be provided between the point lightsource and the astigmatic lens 111. For example, in the optical unit103, the cross-shaped slit 151 may be provided on the light emittingunit 102 side of the astigmatic lens 111. Most of light passed throughthe slit 151 passes through the astigmatic lens 111 while retaining thecross shape and is radiated to the object 121 as described above.Namely, the detecting unit 104 detects a cross-shaped spot shape in theobject 121.

When the cross-shaped light passes through the lens in which theastigmatism is not generated, the spot shape of the radiation light inthe focal position of the lens has ideally a thin cross-shape. Incontrast, when the cross-shaped light passes through the astigmatic lens111, a thickness of the cross in the spot shape of the radiation lightin the focal position of the lens is changed due to the astigmatism.

For example, in FIG. 6, the light is focused in a vertical direction inthe vicinity of the focal position on the front side (near side), andthe spot shape of the radiation light has a thin cross-shaped verticalline and a thick cross-shaped horizontal line. Moreover, the light isfocused in a horizontal direction in the vicinity of the focal positionon the depth side (remote side), and the spot shape of the radiationlight has a thin cross-shaped horizontal line and a thick cross-shapedvertical line. Further, in the vicinity of a middle point between thefocal positions, the spot shape of the radiation light has substantiallythe same thickness of the cross-shaped horizontal line and thecross-shaped vertical line.

Then, the measuring unit 105 may observe the spot shape of the radiationlight in the object 121 detected in the detecting unit 104, obtain howclose the object 121 is to one of two focal positions based on a degreeof change in its shape, that is, the extent to which the vertical lineof the cross-shaped spot shape is thick and the horizontal line of thecross-shaped spot shape is thin, and obtain the distance (L) to theobject 121.

It should be noted that the light emitting unit 102 may have the slit151. Moreover, instead of the slit 151, a light guide plate having awaveguide whose surface shape is formed into a cross shape may beprovided. Further, in instead of the slit 151, a diffractive opticalelement (DOE) may be used to radiate the cross-shaped light. Moreover,the radiation shape (that is, a shape of an opening of the slit 151) isarbitrary and may be other than the cross shape. For example, theradiation shape may be a shape (X-shape) in which directions inclined atangles of 45 degrees and −45 degrees are longitudinal directions.Moreover, the longitudinal directions of the radiation shape (theopening of the slit 151) are not necessarily perpendicular to each otheras the example described above.

Further, the number of the longitudinal directions of the radiationshape (the opening of the slit 151) is arbitrary, but a plurality ofdirections are desirable. This is because it is difficult to decidewhether the focal position is located on the front side or the depthside from only a thickness of the length of the single direction asshown in the graph of FIG. 5.

Measurement of Amount of Blurring Radial Shape

For example, radial shaped light may be radiated to the object 121 fromthe optical unit 103 as shown in A of FIG. 7. A method of realizing sucha radial light source is arbitrary, but for example, as with FIG. 6, aslit having a radial opening may be provided between the point lightsource and the astigmatic lens 111.

When the radial light passes through the astigmatic lens 111 and isradiated to the object 121, the spot shape is made so that only a linein the direction of focusing is thin and lines in other directions arethicker than that as an example shown in B of FIG. 7.

Then, the measuring unit 105 may observe the spot shape of the radiationlight in the object 121 detected in the detecting unit 104, obtain howclose the object 121 is to one of a plurality of focal positions basedon a degree of change in its shape, that is, the extent to which eachline of the radial spot shape is thick, and obtain the distance (L) tothe object 121.

Thus, by forming the radiation shape into the radial shape, a line ofdirection inclined to the cross-shape is also added to a thicknessmeasurement target. Therefore, for example, even if a direction ofaberration is displaced from a linear direction of the radiation lightwhen the astigmatic lens 111 is attached, it is possible to furtherreduce a generation of false recognition and measure the distance athigher speed and with higher accuracy.

It should be noted that an interval (angle) of each radial line may beuniform or non-uniform. Also in this case, similarly to the case of theslit having the cross-shaped opening, the light emitting unit 102 mayhave the slit. Moreover, instead of the slit, a light guide plate havinga waveguide whose surface shape is formed into a radial shape may beprovided. Further, instead of the slit, the diffractive optical element(DOE) may be used to radiate radial light.

Measurement of Amount of Blurring Plurality of Radiation Light

Further, as an example in FIG. 8, a plurality of radiation light may beradiated to the object 121. In the case of the example in FIG. 8, lightdischarged from a single light source (light emitting unit 102) passesthrough a light guide plate 161 and a slit 162 having a plurality ofopenings of a predetermined shape (cross shape in the case of FIG. 8),so that a plurality of radiation light having a predetermined radiationshape is generated. The plurality of radiation light is radiated to theobject 121 through the astigmatic lens 111.

This makes it possible to measure a distance for each area of an entireimage. It should be noted that in FIG. 8, the plurality of radiationlight pass through a single astigmatic lens 111, but the astigmatic lens111 may be disposed for each radiation light. Moreover, the radiationshape of each radiation light is arbitrary and may be, for example, aradial shape or other shape than the cross shape. Further, as describedabove, the radiation shapes of the plurality of radiation light and eachradiation light may be formed by a waveguide shape and other shapes,instead of the slit 162. For example, the light guide plate which has aplurality of predetermined surface shape waveguides and can provide aplurality of radiation light that forms a predetermined radiation shapecan be used instead of the slit 162. Moreover, instead of the slit 162,the diffractive optical element (DOE) may be used to form the radiationshapes of the plurality of radiation light and each radiation light.Moreover, the shape of each radiation light is not necessarily the same.For example, the radiation shape may be different in accordance with theposition where the radiation light passes through the astigmatic lens111.

Measurement of Amount of Blurring Stripe Shape

Moreover, the radiation shape may be a stripe shape of successive linesas shown in FIG. 9. Namely, for example, the radiation light of a checkpattern of A of FIG. 9 and a stripe shape pattern with a plurality ofinclined lines of B of FIG. 9 may be radiated to a part or an entireangle of view detected by the detecting unit 104. Thus, by forming theradiation shape into the pattern constituted of a larger number of linesthan the radiation shape described above, the measuring unit 105 candetermine whether any part of the line in any direction of the patterncomes into focus (becomes thin) or comes out of focus (becomes thick).Namely, the measuring unit 105 can measure the distance in more detail.It is obvious that the pattern of this radiation shape is arbitrary andis not limited to the example of FIG. 9. For example, the pattern may bea pattern including a curve line. Moreover, as the pattern shown in FIG.9, the pattern is not necessarily an entirely uniform pattern and may bedifferent in accordance with the position.

It should be noted that a method of realizing this pattern is arbitrary.For example, the slit may be used. The pattern may be formed by awaveguide shape and other shapes. The diffractive optical element (DOE)may be used.

Laser Light

It should be noted that the light emitting unit 102 may radiate laserlight as the radiation light. On this occasion, as shown in FIG. 10, theoptical unit 103 includes a biaxial galvanometer mirrors 171A and 171Bfor reflecting the laser light, and the galvanometer mirrors may scanthe laser light from the light emitting unit 102 to radiate the pattern.

The galvanometer mirror 171A can change its direction by driving a motor172A. The galvanometer mirror 171B can change its direction by driving amotor 172B. Hereinafter, the galvanometer mirror 171A and thegalvanometer mirror 171B are simply referred to as the galvanometermirror 171 if a description is not necessary for distinguishing fromeach other. Moreover, the motor 172A and the motor 172B are simplyreferred to as the motor 172 if a description is not necessary fordistinguishing from each other. By reflecting laser light 173 by thebiaxial galvanometer mirror 171 as shown in FIG. 10, the laser light 173can be radiated in an arbitrary direction. That is, the control unit 101drives these motors 172 and controls the direction of the galvanometermirror 171, which makes it possible to control the radiation directionof the laser light 173. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, thelaser light can be radiated to the stripe shape pattern. It should benoted that the scan can also be made by the galvanometer mirror by usingthe lens to form even spontaneous emission light such as LED intocollimated beam, instead of the laser light.

Infrared Light

Moreover, the light emitting unit 102 may radiate infrared light as theradiation light. By using the infrared light, a human eye is hard tosense it, so that distance information can be obtained without muchconcern that the light is radiated. Therefore, for example, this canapply to a signal input by a game and a gesture and like.

Also in the case where the radiation light is the infrared light, adetecting method and a distance measuring method can adopt basically thesame method as that for visible light. It should be noted that the lightsource which the light emitting unit 102 has is arbitrary and may beLED, a laser, a lamp and the like, for example. In the case of the lamp,as shown in an example of FIG. 11, an infrared light cut filter 182 thatcuts the visible light and allows the infrared light to transmit throughmay be used in addition to the light guide plate 161 and a slit 181.Herein, the light guide plate 161 is used to be configured to formuniform in-plane light intensity radiation. For example, the openingwith an arbitrary pattern having various patterns described above may beprovided to the slit 181. Moreover, instead of the slit 181, the lightguide plate including the waveguide that forms the surface shape of thearbitrary pattern having the various patterns described above may beprovided. As a further alternative method, instead of the slit 181, thediffractive optical element (DOE) may be used to radiate light thatforms the arbitrary pattern shape. In the example of FIG. 11, theinfrared light cut filter 182 is provided between the slit 181 and theastigmatic lens 111, but this position is arbitrary. Moreover, the lampmay be replaced with the LED and the laser, but in this case, theinfrared light cut filter 182 can be omitted.

The detecting unit 104 (image sensor side) may be any apparatus as longas infrared light can be detected. However, for example, in the case ofan apparatus or a system for obtaining an image of visible light as in anormal imaging, it may be configured such that the detecting unit 104can detect the infrared light and obtain the image of the visible lightas shown in FIG. 12, for example. This eliminates the necessity toprovide two types of image sensors for visible light and infrared lightand can reduce the cost. Moreover, this matches detection positions ofthe visible light and the infrared light (no displacement occurs), sothat the distance can be measured more precisely.

In that case, a pixel arrangement of the image sensor of the detectingunit 104 may be formed as an example of FIG. 13. The image sensor shownin the example of FIG. 13 is constituted of a pixel to which a redfilter (R) is allocated (also referred to as R pixel), a pixel to whicha green filter (G) is allocated (also referred to as G pixel), a pixelto which a blue filter (B) is allocated (also referred to as B pixel),and a pixel to which a black filter (Bk) is allocated (also referred toas Bk pixel). In the visible light, spectrum of R, G, and B functions toallow light of red, green, and blue regions to transmit through andblock light in other regions. However, the infrared light transmitsthrough these filters. In contrast, Bk functions to block the visiblelight and allows the infrared light to transmit through.

FIG. 14 shows an example of such spectrum. A of FIG. 14 is a graphshowing transmission characteristics of each filter of R, G, and B, andB of FIG. 14 is a graph showing transmission characteristics of Bk. Itshould be noted that A of FIG. 14 shows the spectrum of R, G, and B as aspectral sensitivity curve when the filter is placed on a photodiode ofsilicon (Si). Moreover, B of FIG. 14 shows the spectrum of Bk astransmittance spectral characteristics of the filter.

From this spectral characteristics, an image of the infrared light isobtained by using Bk pixel. In contrast, the image obtained from Rpixel, G pixel, and B pixel turns out to be images of the visible lightand the infrared light. Accordingly, the image obtained from R pixel, Gpixel, and B pixel has poor performance in color reproducibility andincreases color difference. To avoid this problem, a true value of a redcomponent (R*), a true value of a green component (G*), and a true valueof a blue component (B*) may be obtained by an arithmetic expression asshown in FIG. 15, and a normal white balance and linear matrix operationmay also be performed. This can improve color reproducibility of theimage of the visible light obtained from R pixel, G pixel, and B pixel.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a bird's eye view of the image sensorcapable of simultaneously obtaining the infrared/visible image describedabove. In this case, as a pixel for obtaining the image of the infraredlight, there is a pixel to which the black filter Bk that allows onlyinfrared light to transmit through or a transparent filter A that allowsboth of the infrared light and the visible light to transmit through isallocated. The pixel arrangement may be arranged as shown in FIG. 13.

A visible light pixel for obtaining the image of the visible lightincludes the color filters of RGB at the top thereof and forms adielectric multilayer film which reflects the infrared light and allowsthe visible light to transmit through at the bottom thereof. This canreduce an infrared component which enters the underlying photodiode(PD). By configuring the image sensor as described above, it is possibleto omit a color correction calculation as described above with respectto FIG. 15 and improve color reproducibility.

Herein, FIG. 17 shows a configuration example of the dielectricmultilayer film which reflects the infrared light and allows the visiblelight to transmit through. In the example shown in FIG. 17, thedielectric multilayer film is formed of a multilayer film of siliconnitride (Si₃N₄ (SiN)) and silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Moreover, FIG. 18shows a relationship between the number of the dielectric multilayerfilm and reflectance. From FIG. 18, it can be seen that the multilayerfilm having eleven layers reflects 90% or more of the infrared light.

It should be noted that when a filter having an infrared light pixel istransparent, the filter allows both the infrared light and the visiblelight to transmit through, which is also advantageous in achievinghigher sensitivity and simultaneously enables the distance measurement.

By arranging as described above, the distance measuring apparatus 100can perform the distance measurement with higher performance.

Astigmatic Lens Shape

Next, the astigmatic lens 111 will be described. Astigmatism isgenerated by a thin portion and a thick portion (non-uniformity inthickness) surrounding the lens in a concentric direction. The shape ofthe astigmatic lens 111 may be any shape as long as the shape generatesthe astigmatism, that is, the shape has non-uniformity in thicknesssurrounding the lens in the concentric direction. For example, theastigmatic lens 111 may have a shape configured such that the focallengths do not change in a radial direction (sagittal) from a centralside of the astigmatic lens 111 toward a peripheral side and the focallengths continuously change in a concentric direction (meridional)centered at one of the center of the astigmatic lens 111 and a vicinityof the center.

For example, as shown in FIG. 19, a circumference of the lens may beshaped in a manner of thin→thick at a rotation of 90 degrees (90deg) inthe concentric direction. A to E of FIG. 20 show bird's eye views of theshape. A to E of FIG. 20 are diagrams showing a state where theastigmatic lens 111 disposed in a space represented by three axes XYZ isseen from respective viewpoints. At the thick portion of thecircumference of the lens, the focal length increases as a radius ofcurvature of a cross-sectional shape of the lens increases. In contrast,at the thin portion of the circumference of the lens, the focal lengthdecreases as the radius of curvature of the cross-sectional shape of thelens decreases. When this thickness is placed in the middle, anintermediate focal length is obtained. In the case of an example in FIG.19, at the rotation of 90 degrees (90deg), the thickness is changed in amanner of thin→thick, so that even a slight displacement may increase anamount of change of the focal length.

Then, as shown in FIG. 21, the circumference of the lens may be shapedin a manner of thin→thick at the rotation of 180 degrees (180deg). A toE of FIG. 22 show bird's eye views of the shape. A to E of FIG. 22 arediagrams showing a state where the astigmatic lens 111 disposed in aspace represented by three axes XYZ is seen from respective viewpoints.In this case, in comparison with the example of FIG. 19, the thicknessgradually changes in the concentric direction and the focal length alsochanges moderately, so that the accuracy can be improved. In particular,the radiation shape is formed into the radial shape as shown in theexample of FIG. 7, which makes it possible to improve the accuracy. Theradial light as shown in the example of FIG. 7 and the astigmatic lensof FIG. 21 are combined, and the measuring unit 105 checks whichdirection of the line has the best focus, that is, whether the line isthinned, so that the distance measurement accuracy can be improvedremarkably.

Convertible Lens

It should be noted that the astigmatic lens 111 may be constituted of aplurality of lenses. Moreover, the astigmatic lens 111 may be aconvertible lens having the focal length variable.

For example, as shown in an example of FIG. 23, it may be configuredsuch that a semicylindrical (lenticular) liquid lens 201 is combinedwith the astigmatic lens 111 having a fixed focal point and the focallength of a crisscross vertical line can be changed. Such aconfiguration can expand the range in which the distance can bemeasured.

It should be noted that the radial shape is arbitrary and may be othershape than the cross shape. For example, the radial shape as shown inthe example of FIG. 7 may be applied, or the stripe shape as shown inthe example of FIG. 9 may be applied. Moreover, a plurality of radiationlight may be applied.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 24, the liquid lens 201 can change the focallength by changing the shape of the interface between water and oilaccording to voltage control. In the example of FIG. 23, a lenticularlens is configured such that the focal length can be changed in apredetermined direction. In the case of the example in FIG. 23, thefocal length of the light entered from the horizontal direction of thelens is changed, resulting in changing the focal length of the line inthe vertical direction of the radiation light.

For example, when the distance measurement is performed at a closerrange, a radius of curvature r of the lenticular lens is decreased,thereby decreasing the focal length. On the contrary, when the distancemeasurement is performed at a longer range, the radius of curvature r ofthe lenticular lens is increased, thereby increasing the focal length.It should be noted that in the case of the example in FIG. 23, the focallength of the line in the horizontal direction of the radiation light isfixed. It should be noted that instead of the astigmatic lens 111 havinga fixed focal length, as shown in FIG. 25, a lenticular lens 202 in thedirection rotated by around 90 degrees with respect to the lenticularlens 201 having a variable focal point may be used.

It should be noted that the lenticular lens 202 may be a convertiblelens. Moreover, both of the lenticular lenses 201 and 202 may be aconvertible lens.

Moreover, three or more lenses may be combined. For example, it may beconfigured such that three or more convertible lenticular lenses arecombined and the focal lengths of the lines in three or more directionscan be changed.

Combination of Distance Measuring Method

It should be noted that the distance measuring method with use of theastigmatism described above may be combined with other distancemeasuring methods. For example, the light cut-off method described inJapanese Patent Application Laid-open No. S62-291509 may be usedtogether. That is, as described above, the distance measuring apparatus100 shown in FIG. 1 radiate the light to the object 121 serving as thedistance measuring target, detects the reflection light reflected by theobject 121, and measures the distance to the object 121 based on thechange in the spot shape. Further, the distance measuring apparatus 100may measure a distance based on displacement amount at the positionwhere the object 121 receives the radiation light. Thus, by measuringthe distance with use of the plurality of methods, the accuracy can beimproved.

It should be noted that as described above, the distance measuringmethod and the light cut-off method to which the present technology isapplied are performed with use of a basically similar system, excludingthe distance measuring method, thereby eliminating the necessity to adda new configuration to use both of the methods together. Therefore, boththe methods can be easily used together at a low cost. Moreover, evenwhen both the methods are used together, the detection result of thereflection light by the detecting unit 104 can be shared, so that thedistance can be measured at higher speed. That is, the accuracy of thedistance measurement can be easily improved at higher speed whileminimizing a cost increase.

Flow of Distance Measuring Processing

Next, referring to a flowchart in FIG. 26, an example of a flow ofdistance measuring processing executed by the distance measuringapparatus 100 in FIG. 1 will be described.

When the distance measuring processing is started, the light emittingunit 102 of the distance measuring apparatus 100 emits light to theobject 121 serving as the distance measuring target in step S101. Thelight discharged from the light emitting unit 102 is radiated to theobject 121 through the optical unit 103 (astigmatic lens 111). Theradiation light reflects by the object 121.

In step S102, the detecting unit 104 detects the reflection light.

In step S103, the measuring unit 105 measures the distance to the object121 from the detection result of the reflection light detected in stepS102 based on the astigmatism generated for the reflection light.

When the distance is measured, the distance measuring processing iscompleted.

By executing respective processing as described above, the distancemeasuring apparatus 100 can easily measure the distance with higheraccuracy.

Second Embodiment Authentication Apparatus

The distance measuring method described in the first embodiment can beapplied to any apparatus. For example, the distance measuring method canbe used to personal authentication.

FIG. 27 is a black diagram is a block diagram showing a mainconfiguration example of an authentication apparatus according to anembodiment of the information processing apparatus to which the presenttechnology is applied.

An authentication apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 27 is an apparatus forperforming personal authentication with use of a three-dimensional shapeof iris wrinkles of human eyes.

Iris patterns of the human eyes are unique in each individual,unchangeable during the whole life, and different even in identicaltwins. Moreover, the iris patterns suffer less damage, thereby providinga superior method in identifying individuals. Further, the iris patternsallow non-contact authentication and exhibit a lower feeling ofresistance, so that they are widely used now. The personalauthentication of the related art simply obtains and compare irispatterns. Since clear iris patterns can be captured, near-infrared lightis radiated in many cases. However, this method uses the iris patternsreproduced by printing and the like, so that it is likely to allowunauthorized authentication.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 29, the iris has various wrinkles. Thethree-dimensional shape of the wrinkles is unique in each individual,unchangeable during the whole life, and different even in identicaltwins as with the iris patterns. Moreover, it suffers less damage. Then,the authentication apparatus 300 uses the distance measuring methoddescribed in the first embodiment to measure unevenness of the wrinkles,recognize (observe) the shape, and use the shape to perform personalauthentication. This can avoid false recognition of a two-dimensionalprinted counterfeit.

As shown in FIG. 27, the authentication apparatus 300 includes adistance measurement unit 301, a wrinkle shape recognition unit 302, anauthentication unit 303, and a personal information database 304.

The distance measurement unit 301 has the same configuration as that ofthe distance measuring apparatus 100 in FIG. 1 and measures the distancewith use of the astigmatism as described in the first embodiment. Thedistance measurement unit 301 supplies the measurement result (that is,distance information) to the wrinkle shape recognition unit 302.

The wrinkle shape recognition unit 302 is constituted of, for example, acentral processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read onlymemory (ROM) and the like and executes processing regarding the wrinkleshape recognition. Moreover, the authentication unit 303 is constitutedof the CPU, the ROM, the RAM and the like and executes processingregarding the personal authentication. The personal information database304 is constituted of a recording medium such as a flash memory and ahard disk, and performs processing regarding provision of a user'spersonal information registered in advance. For example, informationregarding the three-dimensional shape of the iris wrinkles of the useris registered in the personal information database 304 as informationfor authentication.

When performing the personal authentication of the user (object 121)desiring authentication, the authentication apparatus 300 executesauthentication processing. Referring to a flowchart in FIG. 28, anexample of a flow of this authentication processing will be described.

When the authentication processing is started, in step S301, asdescribed by referring to the flowchart in FIG. 26, the distancemeasurement unit 301 of the authentication apparatus 300 executes thedistance measuring processing and measures, in detail, a distance to theiris of the user (object 121) desiring the authentication. The distancemeasurement unit 301 supplies the measurement result to the wrinkleshape recognition unit 302.

In step S302, the wrinkle shape recognition unit 302 uses themeasurement result obtained by the processing in step S301 to recognizea wrinkle shape of the iris (three-dimensional shape) of the user(object 121). The wrinkle shape recognition unit 302 supplies therecognition result (observed wrinkle shape) to the authentication unit303.

In step S303, the authentication unit 303 obtains the personalinformation of the user (object 121) from the personal informationdatabase 304, compares the wrinkle shape (observed wrinkle shape)recognized by the processing in step S302 with the information alreadyregistered in the personal information database 304, and performs thepersonal authentication. When the wrinkle shapes of both information arematched, the user (object 121) serving as the authentication processingtarget is authenticated as an already registered authorized user.Moreover, when the wrinkle shapes are not matched, the user (object 121)serving as the authentication processing target is determined andrejected as an unauthorized user. The authentication unit 303 outputsthe authentication result outside the authentication apparatus 300.

When the authentication processing is completed in step S303, theauthentication processing is completed.

As described above, by using the present technology (the distancemeasuring method described in the first embodiment) to perform thepersonal authentication, the authentication apparatus 300 can deterunauthorized authentication such as impersonation and perform a moreprecise and safe authentication. It should be noted that the distancemeasurement unit 301 radiates light toward eyes of the user (object121), so that it is desirable that light such as infrared light withless influence on the human body be used as the radiation light.Moreover, when visible light is radiated, it is desirable to use lightintensity with less influence on the human body.

3. Third Embodiment Eye Tracking Processing

The distance measuring method described in the first embodiment can beused for eye tracking processing.

The eye tracking processing is control processing that an informationprocessing apparatus 400 such as a smartphone and a personal computerdetects a movement of eyes of the user (object 121) by a camera and thelike and performs processing in accordance with the movement as shown inA of FIG. 30, for example.

In the past, a position of a viewpoint is estimated from an eye pupil ofan image, but this method is difficult to do so with high accuracy.Then, the distance measuring method described in the first embodiment isused to measure a distance to eyeballs (irises) of the user (object 121)and a position and inclination of a plane of the irises and estimate theviewpoint.

Human eyes have convergence, so that when the eyes view a near object asshown in C of FIG. 30, they approach each other and each eyeball rotatesin a different direction. On this occasion, the plane of the irises isinclined as the eyeballs rotate. A line of sight is orientedsubstantially perpendicular to the plane of the irises as shown in C ofFIG. 30 and passes through the center of a pupil as shown in B of FIG.30. Therefore, the line of sight can be uniquely determined from theinclination of the irises, the distance to the irises and the positionof the irises. Further, the viewpoint can be obtained from the line ofsight of both the eyes.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a main configuration example of theinformation processing apparatus according to an embodiment of theinformation processing apparatus to which the present technology isapplied. The information processing apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 31 canperform the eye tracking processing as described above.

As shown in FIG. 31, the information processing apparatus 400 includesan eye tracking processing unit 401 and an information processing unit402. The eye tracking processing unit 401 performs the eye trackingprocessing to which the present technology is applied and suppliesinformation representing the user's viewpoint to the informationprocessing unit 402 as the processing result. Based on the suppliedinformation, the information processing unit 402 performs predeterminedprocessing in accordance with the user's viewpoint or its movement.

The eye tracking processing unit 401 includes a distance measurementunit 411, an iris determination unit 412, and a viewpoint determinationunit 413.

The distance measurement unit 411 has the same configuration as that ofthe distance measuring apparatus 100 in FIG. 1 and measures the distancewith use of the astigmatism as described in the first embodiment. Thedistance measurement unit 411 supplies the measurement result (that is,distance information) to the iris determination unit 412.

The iris determination unit 412 is constituted of, for example, the CPU,the ROM, the RAM and the like, and performs processing regardingdetermination of the distance to the irises and the position and theinclination of the irises. The viewpoint determination unit 413 isconstituted of, for example, the CPU, the ROM, the RAM and the like, andperforms processing regarding determination of the user's viewpoint.

When performing the eye tracking processing, the information processingapparatus 400 executes the eye tracking processing. Referring to aflowchart in FIG. 32, an example of a flow of this eye trackingprocessing will be described.

When the eye tracking processing is started, in step S401, as describedby referring to the flowchart in FIG. 26, the distance measurement unit411 of the information processing apparatus 400 executes the distancemeasuring processing and measures the distance to the iris of the user(object 121) in detail. The distance measurement unit 411 supplies themeasurement result to the iris determination unit 412.

In step S402, the iris determination unit 412 uses the measurementresult obtained by the processing in step S401 to determine the positionand the inclination of the iris of each eyeball and the distance to eacheyeball of the user (object 121). The iris determination unit 412supplies the determination result to the viewpoint determination unit413.

In step S403, the viewpoint determination unit 413 determines theviewpoint of the user (object 121) based on the position and theinclination of the iris of each eyeball and the distance to each eyeballof the user supplied from the iris determination unit 412. The viewpointdetermination unit 413 supplies the determination result to theinformation processing unit 402.

In step S404, the information processing unit 402 performs processing inaccordance with the viewpoint of the user obtained by the processing instep S403.

When the processing in step S404 is completed, the eye trackingprocessing is completed. It should be noted that the eye trackingprocessing may be executed continuously and repetitively.

As described above, by using the present technology (the distancemeasuring method described in the first embodiment) to perform the eyetracking processing, the information processing apparatus 400 can morereadily and precisely perform the eye tracking processing.

4. Fourth Embodiment Reception of Instruction Input by Gesture

The distance measuring method described in the first embodiment can beused for reception processing of an instruction input by a gesture.

That is, the distance measuring method described in the first embodimentmay be used to determine the gesture (attitude and movement) of the user(object 121) and receive the instruction input by the gesture.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing a main configuration example of theinformation processing apparatus according to an embodiment of theinformation processing apparatus to which the present technology isapplied. An information processing apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 33 is anapparatus for receiving the instruction input by the gesture asdescribed above and performing processing in accordance with theinstruction.

As shown in FIG. 33, the information processing apparatus 500 includes agesture reception unit 501 and an information processing unit 502. Thegesture reception unit 501 uses the distance measuring method to whichthe present technology is applied and performs processing regardingreception of the instruction input by the gesture (attitude andmovement) of the user (object 121). The information processing unit 502executes predetermined processing in accordance with the gesture of theuser received by the gesture reception unit 501.

The gesture reception unit 501 includes a distance measurement unit 511and an attitude/movement determination unit 512.

The distance measurement unit 511 has the same configuration as that ofthe distance measuring apparatus 100 in FIG. 1 and measures the distancewith use of the astigmatism as described in the first embodiment. Thedistance measurement unit 511 supplies the measurement result (that is,distance information) to the attitude/movement determination unit 512.

The attitude/movement determination unit 512, constituted of, forexample, the CPU, the ROM, the RAM and the like, uses the measurementresult obtained in the distance measurement unit 511 to performprocessing regarding determination of the attitude and the movement ofthe user (object 121).

When receiving the instruction input by the gesture, the informationprocessing apparatus 500 executes the gesture reception processing.Referring to a flowchart in FIG. 34, an example of a flow of thisgesture reception processing will be described.

When the gesture reception processing is started, in step S501, asdescribed by referring to the flowchart in FIG. 26, the distancemeasurement unit 511 of the information processing apparatus 500executes the distance measuring processing and measures, in detail, thedistance to the user (object 121) performing the gesture. The distancemeasurement unit 511 supplies the measurement result to theattitude/movement determination unit 512.

In step S502, the attitude/movement determination unit 512 uses themeasurement result obtained by the processing in step S501 to determinethe position, the attitude and the movement of the user (object 121).For example, the attitude/movement determination unit 512 determines theposition and the attitude of the user (object 121) at a certain timefrom a measurement result at the certain time. Moreover, for example,the attitude/movement determination unit 512 determines the movement ofthe user (object 121) from a measurement result at a plurality of times(or from the determination result of the position and the attitude ofthe user at the plurality of times). The attitude/movement determinationunit 512 supplies the determination result to the information processingunit 502.

In step S503, the information processing unit 502 performs processing inaccordance with the position, the attitude and the movement of the userobtained by the processing in step S502.

When the processing in step S503 is completed, the gesture receptionprocessing is completed. It should be noted that the gesture receptionprocessing may be executed continuously and repetitively.

As described above, by using the present technology (the distancemeasuring method described in the first embodiment) to perform thegesture reception processing, the information processing apparatus 500can more readily and precisely receive the instruction input by thegesture.

5. Fifth Embodiment Automatic Focusing

The distance measuring method described in the first embodiment can beused for automatic focusing of an imaging apparatus and other apparatus.

The automatic focusing of the related art includes a light radiationsystem and an image plane phase difference system. The light radiationsystem is a system for detecting a distance by a radiation angle, but inthis case, it is difficult to increase accuracy sufficiently. Moreover,the image plane phase difference system is a system for splitting lightinto two portions to guide them to a dedicated sensor and deciding adirection and an amount of a focus from an interval of two imagesformed. However, this system needs to form a dedicated pixel separately.

Then, it may be configured to use the distance measuring methoddescribed in the first embodiment to measure a distance by recognizingthe pattern as shown in the example of FIG. 35 and use the measurementresult to perform automatic focusing.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing a main configuration example of theimaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the informationprocessing apparatus to which the present technology is applied. Animaging apparatus 600 shown in FIG. 36 is an apparatus for imaging asubject (object 121) and obtaining a captured image. The imagingapparatus 600 uses the distance measuring method described in the firstembodiment to measure the distance to the subject (object 121) andadjust a focal length based on the measurement result.

As shown in FIG. 36, the imaging apparatus 600 includes a distancemeasurement unit 601, a focus control unit 602, an optical unit 603, animaging unit 604, an image processing unit 605, a storage unit 611, adisplay unit 612, and a communication unit 613.

The distance measurement unit 601 has the same configuration as that ofthe distance measuring apparatus 100 in FIG. 1 and measures the distanceto the subject (object 121) with use of the astigmatism as described inthe first embodiment. The distance measurement unit 601 supplies themeasurement result (that is, distance information) to the focus controlunit 602.

The focus control unit 602, constituted of, for example, the CPU, theROM, the RAM, an actuator and the like, controls the optical unit 603and adjusts the focal length of the image (performs automatic focusing)based on the distance to the subject (object 121) supplied from thedistance measurement unit 601. For example, the focus control unit 602controls the optical unit 603 to focus on the subject (object 121) andcontrols the focal length of the image.

The optical unit 603 is constituted of an optical element such as a lensand a diaphragm and is controlled by the focus control unit 602 and canchange the focal length. The optical unit 603 induces an opticalinfluence to light from the subject entering the imaging unit 604 at thetime of imaging.

The imaging unit 604 includes an image sensor such as a CCD and a CMOS,uses the image sensor to photoelectrically convert the light from thesubject entered through the optical unit 603, and obtains an image dataof the captured image. The imaging unit 604 supplies the obtained imagedata to the image processing unit 605.

The image processing unit 605, constituted of, for example, the CPU, theROM, the RAM and the like, performs predetermined image processing tothe image data supplied from the imaging unit 604. The image processingunit 605 supplies the image data after image processing to the storageunit 611 so that the image data is stored into the storage unit 611,supplies the image data to the display unit 612 so that the image datais displayed on a monitor as an image, and supplies the image data tothe communication unit 613 so that the image data is transferred toother apparatus.

The storage unit 611 includes a storage medium such as a flash memoryand a hard disk and stores the image data supplied from the imageprocessing unit 605 into the storage medium.

The display unit 612 includes a monitor such as an LCD and displays theimage of the image data supplied from the image processing unit 605.

The communication unit 613 includes a wire or a wireless communicationinterface and transfers the image data supplied from the imageprocessing unit 605 to other apparatus through a communication medium.

When imaging the subject, the imaging apparatus 600 executes imagingprocessing. Referring to a flowchart in FIG. 37, an example of a flow ofthis imaging processing will be described.

When the imaging processing is started, in step S601, as described byreferring to the flowchart in FIG. 26, the distance measurement unit 601of the imaging apparatus 600 executes the distance measuring processingand measures the distance to the subject (object 121). The distancemeasurement unit 601 supplies the measurement result to the focuscontrol unit 602.

In step S602, the focus control unit 602 uses the measurement resultobtained by the processing in step S601 to control the focal length ofthe optical unit 603. For example, the focus control unit 602 controlthe optical unit 603 to focus the focal length to the subject (object121).

In step S603, the imaging unit 604 images the subject (object 121) basedon the instruction from the user and the like.

In step S604, the image processing unit 605 perform predetermined imageprocessing to the image data of the captured image obtained by theimaging in step S603. The image data that has been subjected to imageprocessing is supplied to the storage unit 611 so that the image data isstored into the storage medium, to the display unit 612 so that theimage data is displayed on the monitor, and to the communication unit613 so that the image data is transferred to other apparatus.

When the processing in step S604 is completed, the image processing iscompleted.

As described above, by using the present technology (the distancemeasuring method described in the first embodiment) to perform theautomatic focusing, the imaging apparatus 600 can perform the automaticfocusing more accurately, without forming the dedicated pixel.

6. Sixth Embodiment Computer

The series of processing described above can be executed by hardware butcan also be executed by software. When the series of processing isexecuted by software, a program that configures such software isinstalled into a computer. Here, the computer includes a computer inwhich dedicated hardware is incorporated and a general-purpose personalcomputer or the like that is capable of executing various functions whenvarious programs are installed.

FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of thehardware of a computer that executes the series of processing describedabove according to a program.

In a computer 700 shown in FIG. 38, a central processing unit (CPU) 701,a read only memory (ROM) 702 and a random access memory (RAM) 703 aremutually connected by a bus 704.

An input/output interface 710 is also connected to the bus 704. An inputunit 711, an output unit 712, a storage unit 713, a communication unit714, and a drive 715 are connected to the input/output interface 710.

The input unit 711 is configured from a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone,a touch panel, an input terminal, and the like. The output unit 712 isconfigured from a display, a speaker, an input terminal, and the like.The storage unit 713 is configured from a hard disk, a RAM disk, anon-volatile memory, and the like. The communication unit 714 isconfigured from a network interface and the like. The drive 715 drives aremovable medium 721 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, amagneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor memory.

In the computer configured as described above, the CPU 701 loads aprogram that is stored, for example, in the storage unit 713 onto theRAM 703 through the input/output interface 710 and the bus 704, andexecutes the program. Therefore, the above-described series ofprocessing is performed. The RAM 703 stores data in a suitable manner,which is necessary for the CPU 701 to execute various processing.

A program executed by the computer (CPU 701) may be recorded in theremovable medium 721 as a package medium or the like, for example, andmay be applied. In that case, by mounting the removable medium 721 onthe drive 715, the program can be installed into the storage unit 713through the input/output interface 710.

Moreover, the program may be provided through a wired or wirelesstransmission medium, such as a local area network, the Internet ordigital satellite broadcasting. In that case, the communication unit 714may receive the program, and the program may be installed in the storage713.

As another alternative, the program can be installed in advance into theROM 702 or the storage unit 713.

It should be noted that the program executed by a computer may be aprogram that is processed in time series according to the sequencedescribed in this specification or a program that is processed inparallel or at necessary timing such as upon calling.

Moreover, in this specification, the steps describing the program storedin the recording medium include not only processing performed in timeseries according to the sequence shown therein but also processingexecuted in parallel or individually, not necessarily performed in timeseries.

Moreover, in the present specification, a system has the meaning of aset of a plurality of configured elements (such as an apparatus or amodule (part)), and does not take into account whether or not all theconfigured elements are in the same casing. Therefore, the system may beeither a plurality of apparatuses stored in separate casings andconnected through a network, or a single apparatus stored in a pluralityof modules within a single casing.

Moreover, an element described as a single apparatus (or processingunit) above may be configured to be divided as a plurality ofapparatuses (or processing units). On the contrary, elements describedas a plurality of apparatuses (or processing units) above may beconfigured collectively as a single apparatus (or processing unit).Moreover, an element other than those described above may be added toeach apparatus (or processing unit). Further, a part of an element of agiven apparatus (or processing unit) may be included in an element ofanother apparatus (or another processing unit) as long as theconfiguration or operation of the system as a whole is substantially thesame.

The suitable embodiments of the present disclosure have been describedabove in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The technicalscope of the present disclosure is not limited to those examples. Itshould be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

For example, the present technology may employ a configuration of cloudcomputing, in which a plurality of apparatuses share one function andprocess the function together through a network.

Moreover, one apparatus may execute the steps described with referenceto the flowcharts, or a plurality of apparatuses may share and executethe steps.

Further, in a case where one step includes a plurality of processing,one apparatus may execute the plurality of processing in the step, or aplurality of apparatuses may share and execute the plurality ofprocessing.

It should be noted that the present technology may also be configured asfollows.

(1) An information processing apparatus, including:

a light emitting unit configured to emit light; an optical unitconfigured to induce an optical influence to the light from the lightemitting unit, the optical unit having an astigmatic lens configured togenerate astigmatism with a plurality of focal lengths;

a detecting unit configured to detect the light emitted in the lightemitting unit, radiated outside through the optical unit, and reflectedby an object; and

a measuring unit configured to measure a distance to the object based onastigmatism generated in the reflection light detected in the detectingunit.

(2) The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items(1) and (3) to (19), in which the measuring unit is configured tomeasure the distance to the object based on a change in a radiationshape of the light in the object.

(3) The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items(1), (2) and (4) to (19), in which

the measuring unit is configured to measure the distance to the objectin accordance with a change in a thickness of each line, in the object,of the light linearly radiated in a plurality of directions.

(4) The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items(1) to (3) and (5) to (19), in which

the optical unit further includes one of a slit, a waveguide, and adiffractive optical element configured to form the radiation shape ofthe light from the light emitting unit into a cross-shape, and

the measuring unit is configured to measure the distance to the objectin accordance with a change in a thickness of each line of thecross-shape in the object.

(5) The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items(1) to (4) and (6) to (19), in which

the optical unit further includes one of a slit, a waveguide, and adiffractive optical element configured to form the radiation shape ofthe light from the light emitting unit into a radial shape, and

the measuring unit is configured to measure the distance to the objectin accordance with a change in a thickness of each line of the radialshape in the object.

(6) The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items(1) to (5) and (7) to (19), in which

the optical unit further includes one of a slit, a waveguide, and adiffractive optical element configured to radiate the light from thelight emitting unit to a plurality of positions, and

the measuring unit is configured to measure the distance to the objectin accordance with a change in the radiation shape of the light radiatedto the plurality of positions of the object.

(7) The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items(1) to (6) and (8) to (19), in which

the optical unit further includes one of a slit, a waveguide, and adiffractive optical element configured to form the radiation shape ofthe light from the light emitting unit into a stripe shape, and

the measuring unit is configured to measure the distance to the objectin accordance with a change in a thickness of each line of the stripeshape in the object.

(8) The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items(1) to (7) and (9) to (19), in which

the astigmatic lens is a lens configured such that the focal lengths donot change in a radial direction (sagittal) from a central side of theastigmatic lens toward a peripheral side and the focal lengthscontinuously change in a concentric direction (meridional) centered atone of the center of the astigmatic lens and a vicinity of the center.

(9) The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items(1) to (8) and (10) to (19), in which

the astigmatic lens is a convertible lens having the focal lengthsvariable.

(10) The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items(1) to (9) and (11) to (19), in which

the convertible lens is a lenticular lens.

(11) The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items(1) to (10) and (12) to (19), in which

the astigmatic lens is constituted of a plurality of lenses.

(12) The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items(1) to (11) and (13) to (19), in which

the measuring unit is configured to further measure the distance to theobject based on displacement of the reflection light detected in thedetecting unit and to measure the distance to the object with use ofboth a measurement result based on the displacement and a distancemeasurement result based on the astigmatism.

(13) The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items(1) to (12) and (14) to (19), in which

the light emitting unit is configured to emit infrared light, and

the detecting unit is configured to detect reflection light of theinfrared light radiated outside through the optical unit and reflectedby the object.

(14) The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items(1) to (13) and (15) to (19), in which

the detecting unit includes an imaging element capable of detectingreceived visible light and the infrared light and is configured toobtain a captured image made of the visible light with use of theimaging element and detect the reflection light of the infrared light.

(15) The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items(1) to (14) and (16) to (19), in which

the light emitting unit is configured to emit laser light, and

the detecting unit is configured to detect reflection light of the laserlight radiated outside through the optical unit and reflected by theobject.

(16) The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items(1) to (15) and (17) to (19), further including:

a recognition unit configured to recognize a three-dimensional shape ofiris wrinkles of eyeballs of a person serving as the object with use ofthe distance to the object that is measured by the measuring unit; and

an authentication unit configured to authenticate the person based onthe three-dimensional shape of the iris wrinkles that is recognized bythe recognition unit.

(17) The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items(1) to (16), (18), and (19), further including:

an iris determination unit configured to determine a position and aninclination of an iris of each eyeball and a distance to the eyeball ofa person serving as the object with use of the distance to the objectthat is measured by the measuring unit;

a viewpoint determination unit configured to determine a viewpoint ofthe person based on the position and the inclination of the iris of theeyeball and the distance to the eyeball determined by the irisdetermination unit; and

an information processing unit configured to perform processing inaccordance with the viewpoint of the person that is determined by theviewpoint determination unit.

(18) The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items(1) to (17) and (19), further including:

an attitude/movement determination unit configured to determine aposition, an attitude and a movement of a person serving as the objectwith use of the distance to the object that is measured by the measuringunit; and

an information processing unit configured to perform processing inaccordance with the position, the attitude and the movement of theperson that is determined by the attitude/movement determination unit.

(19) The information processing apparatus according to any one of Items(1) to (18), further including:

an imaging optical unit configured to allow light from a subject totransmit through the imaging optical unit, the imaging optical unithaving a variable focal length;

an imaging unit configured to photoelectrically convert the light fromthe subject that is received through the imaging optical unit and obtainimage data of the subject; and

a focus control unit configured to control the focal length of theimaging optical unit with use of the distance to the object that ismeasured by the measuring unit.

(20) An information processing method, including:

emitting light;

detecting the light that is radiated outside through an optical unitconfigured to induce an optical influence to the light and is reflectedby an object, the optical unit having an astigmatic lens configured togenerate astigmatism with a plurality of focal lengths; and

measuring a distance to the object based on the astigmatism generated inthe detected reflection light.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatus, comprising:a light emitting unit configured to emit light; an optical unitconfigured to induce an optical influence to the light from the lightemitting unit, the optical unit having an astigmatic lens configured togenerate astigmatism with a plurality of focal lengths; a detecting unitconfigured to detect the light emitted in the light emitting unit,radiated outside through the optical unit, and reflected by an object;and a measuring unit configured to measure a distance to the objectbased on astigmatism generated in the reflection light detected in thedetecting unit.
 2. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the measuring unit is configured to measure thedistance to the object based on a change in a radiation shape of thelight in the object.
 3. The information processing apparatus accordingto claim 2, wherein the measuring unit is configured to measure thedistance to the object in accordance with a change in a thickness ofeach line, in the object, of the light linearly radiated in a pluralityof directions.
 4. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 3, wherein the optical unit further includes one of a slit, awaveguide, and a diffractive optical element configured to form theradiation shape of the light from the light emitting unit into across-shape, and the measuring unit is configured to measure thedistance to the object in accordance with a change in a thickness ofeach line of the cross-shape in the object.
 5. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the optical unitfurther includes one of a slit, a waveguide, and a diffractive opticalelement configured to form the radiation shape of the light from thelight emitting unit into a radial shape, and the measuring unit isconfigured to measure the distance to the object in accordance with achange in a thickness of each line of the radial shape in the object. 6.The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein theoptical unit further includes one of a slit, a waveguide, and adiffractive optical element configured to radiate the light from thelight emitting unit to a plurality of positions, and the measuring unitis configured to measure the distance to the object in accordance with achange in the radiation shape of the light radiated to the plurality ofpositions of the object.
 7. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 3, wherein the optical unit further includes one of aslit, a waveguide, and a diffractive optical element configured to formthe radiation shape of the light from the light emitting unit into astripe shape, and the measuring unit is configured to measure thedistance to the object in accordance with a change in a thickness ofeach line of the stripe shape in the object.
 8. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the astigmatic lensis a lens configured such that the focal lengths do not change in aradial direction (sagittal) from a central side of the astigmatic lenstoward a peripheral side and the focal lengths continuously change in aconcentric direction (meridional) centered at one of the center of theastigmatic lens and a vicinity of the center.
 9. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the astigmatic lensis a convertible lens having the focal lengths variable.
 10. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein theconvertible lens is a lenticular lens.
 11. The information processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the astigmatic lens isconstituted of a plurality of lenses.
 12. The information processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit is configuredto further measure the distance to the object based on displacement ofthe reflection light detected in the detecting unit and to measure thedistance to the object with use of both a measurement result based onthe displacement and a distance measurement result based on theastigmatism.
 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim1, wherein the light emitting unit is configured to emit infrared light,and the detecting unit is configured to detect reflection light of theinfrared light radiated outside through the optical unit and reflectedby the object.
 14. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 13, wherein the detecting unit includes an imaging element capableof detecting received visible light and the infrared light and isconfigured to obtain a captured image made of the visible light with useof the imaging element and detect the reflection light of the infraredlight.
 15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the light emitting unit is configured to emit laser light, andthe detecting unit is configured to detect reflection light of the laserlight radiated outside through the optical unit and reflected by theobject.
 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising: a recognition unit configured to recognize athree-dimensional shape of iris wrinkles of eyeballs of a person servingas the object with use of the distance to the object that is measured bythe measuring unit; and an authentication unit configured toauthenticate the person based on the three-dimensional shape of the iriswrinkles that is recognized by the recognition unit.
 17. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an irisdetermination unit configured to determine a position and an inclinationof an iris of each eyeball and a distance to the eyeball of a personserving as the object with use of the distance to the object that ismeasured by the measuring unit; a viewpoint determination unitconfigured to determine a viewpoint of the person based on the positionand the inclination of the iris of the eyeball and the distance to theeyeball determined by the iris determination unit; and an informationprocessing unit configured to perform processing in accordance with theviewpoint of the person that is determined by the viewpointdetermination unit.
 18. The information processing apparatus accordingto claim 1, further comprising: an attitude/movement determination unitconfigured to determine a position, an attitude and a movement of aperson serving as the object with use of the distance to the object thatis measured by the measuring unit; and an information processing unitconfigured to perform processing in accordance with the position, theattitude and the movement of the person that is determined by theattitude/movement determination unit.
 19. The information processingapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an imaging opticalunit configured to allow light from a subject to transmit through theimaging optical unit, the imaging optical unit having a variable focallength; an imaging unit configured to photoelectrically convert thelight from the subject that is received through the imaging optical unitand obtain image data of the subject; and a focus control unitconfigured to control the focal length of the imaging optical unit withuse of the distance to the object that is measured by the measuringunit.
 20. An information processing method, comprising: emitting light;detecting the light that is radiated outside through an optical unitconfigured to induce an optical influence to the light and is reflectedby an object, the optical unit having an astigmatic lens configured togenerate astigmatism with a plurality of focal lengths; and measuring adistance to the object based on the astigmatism generated in thedetected reflection light.